AI is Here to Stay: A Scenario‐Based Exploration of Leadership, Followership, and the Impact on Skill Development

Abstract

Emerging AI technologies are transforming work and redefining how leading and following unfold when humans collaborate with AI as tool, agent, teammate, and autonomous partner. This article uses an action-based organizational learning scenario technique to develop four future workplace constellations: (1) AI as collaborative tool, (2) AI as delegated agent, (3) AI as team member, and (4) AI as autonomous partner. For each, it examines implications for reversing the lens and co-creation leadership and followership, specifying the competence profiles and AI literacy needed for responsible human-AI interaction. Comparing these scenario-specific requirements with current AI literacy levels reveals substantial gaps in leadership and followership education, motivating a stronger emphasis on critical thinking and prompt literacy in development programs.